What's the Best Time to Visit South Vietnam and Cambodia? From Nov to April

South Vietnam and Cambodia both have a tropical climate, where the year is divided into a clear dry and rainy season. To make the most of your trip through these two beautiful regions, considering the weather first can be a good idea.

November to April is the best time to visit South Vietnam and Cambodia, when the weather is pleasant, and you’ll find festive celebrations like Christmas, Khmer New Year, or Lunar New Year. But if you prefer fewer crowds and a budget-friendly trip, the rainy season from May to October can also be a great choice.

In this guide, we’ll detail for you the best times to visit based on weather, festivals, and budget. Let's start planning your unforgettable adventure together!

The General Climate Features of South Vietnam and Cambodia

Both South Vietnam and Cambodia have tropical climates, with only two seasons a year: the dry season and the rainy season.

South Vietnam has warm weather year-round, the temperatures ranging from 21°C to 35°C. The dry season lasts from November to April, with little rain and plenty of sunshine. The rainy season is from May to October, with frequent rainfall, especially in September.

The weather in Cambodia is similar to South Vietnam. During the dry season from November to April, there are blue skies and average temperatures of 22-36°C. The rainy season from May to October brings lush greenery in the countryside, with short and intense afternoon showers.

The Dry Season

The Rainy Season

7 Days Glimpse of Vietnam and Cambodia Tour

Saigon – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Siem Reap

The Best Time to Visit South Vietnam and Cambodia Together: November to April

November to April is the best time to visit South Vietnam and Cambodia. The climate in both regions is pleasant during this period, making it ideal for hiking without having to worry about being too hot or having torrential rain.

During this period, South Vietnam has clear skies and bright sunshine with minimal rainfall, making it a great time to have a Mekong Delta boat tour, enjoy the beaches on Phu Quoc Island, and sample street food in Saigon.

Cambodia’s dry season runs from November to April, with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for visiting temples or exploring outdoor complexes like Angkor Wat, kayaking on the Tonle Sap Lake, and a great time to hike, explore the city streets of Phnom Penh, or take beautiful photos.

South Vietnam and Cambodia usually hold Christmas and New Year events that last from late December to early January, with lights and decorations everywhere. The Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tết) is usually between late January and mid-February, with fireworks, cultural performances and celebrations, and Cambodia's Khmer New Year is usually in mid-April, with temple fairs lasting three days and bustling streets.

Traveling during this period not only has good weather, but also brings festive surprises and experiences, but it is the peak tourist season in South Vietnam and Cambodia, and the number of tourists has increased sharply, making it more difficult to book accommodation, transportation and travel services, and airfare and hotel prices may double.

Tour on the Tourist Red Bus in Saigon.

May to October Brings the Rainy Season to South Vietnam and Cambodia

May to October is the rainy season in South Vietnam and Cambodia, with increased rainfall, which has both advantages and disadvantages.

The rainy season in South Vietnam and Cambodia brings short, heavy downpours in the afternoon, usually lasting an hour or two. However, the mornings are usually clear, you can plan your outdoor activities early in the morning, and then explore indoor attractions in Cambodia and South Vietnam in the afternoon.

Although the rain can be heavy, in a tropical climate, storms come and leave quickly and will not disrupt the overall visit. Even after the rain, everything becomes lush and green, which is perfect for taking pictures.

However, the roads leading to the Mekong Delta may be flooded, causing delays to cruise ships, and some rural roads in Cambodia and South Vietnam will become muddy after rain, making hiking in attractions such as national parks more difficult.

Enjoy the beautiful sunrise next to Angkor Wat's reflecting pool.

May, September and October are the Most Money-Saving to Visit South Vietnam and Cambodia

If you are on a budget or looking to save money, the best time to visit South Vietnam and Cambodia is during the rainy season in May, September, and October.

In these months, both regions are in the shoulder season for tourism. To attract tourists, many airlines provide lower prices of 20% to 40%, and hotels in Cambodia and South Vietnam reduce prices by up to 50% to fill empty rooms and offer free room upgrades. Also, with less crowding at popular attractions, Mekong Delta cruises and tours of Angkor Wat often offer 10% to 20% discounts during the rainy season.

May showers usually start late, marking the beginning of the rainy season and hot weather, while October marks the end of the rainy season, with rainfall tapering off in the middle of the month. These months are best with relatively pleasant weather, moderate humidity, fewer crowds, and lower prices.

9 Days Vietnam and Cambodia Highlights Tour

Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hoi An – Saigon – Siem Reap

Insider Tips for Your South Vietnam and Cambodia Tours

No matter when you choose to travel to South Vietnam and Cambodia, these tips will help you to have a smooth and hassle-free trip.

Book in advance

Just book your flights and hotels 3-6 months in advance to avoid being fully booked during the peak season from November to April, and to get better discounts during the off-season.

Carry cash

In South Vietnam and Cambodia, ATMs are rare outside of major cities, so it’s best to have some cash ready before you go. US dollars and the local riel are acceptable in Cambodia, and the Vietnamese Dong is widely accepted in South Vietnam. Click to get more details about South Vietnam currency and Cambodia currency.

Pack wisely

During the rainy season, bring a lightweight raincoat, quick-drying clothes, and waterproof shoes to continue exploring even in light rain. For the dry season, packing light clothing, a sun hat, and sunscreen is necessary.

Respect local customs

When visiting temples, you should dress modestly to cover shoulders and knees, and do not touch other people's heads.

Try local food

Street food stalls offer cheap and delicious food; the Amok (Cambodian coconut fish curry) and Pho (Vietnamese soup dish) are must-tries.

Local guides

On trips in South Vietnam and Cambodia, local guides will explain the history of each attraction and point out hidden details. We at Indochina Tour provide reliable local travel services for South Vietnam and Cambodia trips, focusing on providing private car travel that suits your budget and interests at the best local prices.

Tourists feed pigeons while sightseeing in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Conclusion

The time of year to travel to South Vietnam and Cambodia depends on your preferences and needs. For perfect weather and festivals, the best time to visit South Vietnam and Cambodia is from November to April, when the sun is shining and the journey is smooth. If you are on a budget, consider the shoulder months of May, September or October, but be prepared for rain!

Just plan your trip to South Vietnam and Cambodia using this guide, pack your bags properly, book in advance, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this vibrant region!